Not only electric cars, but also electric scooters are driving through the cities more and more often. But what is there to consider when making a purchase? TECHBOOK gives tips.
They scurry quietly through the city. Without the annoying high-revving engine noise, humming and environmentally friendly: electric scooters are becoming more and more popular with city dwellers. But for whom are the electrically powered vehicles profitable? TECHBOOK gives tips on buying e-scooters.
What distance do you travel daily with the e-scooter?
The biggest advantage of e-scooters is the emission-free driving, says Matthias Haasper, head of research at the Institute for Two-Wheeler Safety (short: ifz). In addition, many are convinced by the lower noise level. Because the electric drive is quieter than that of the petrol-powered variants. He also sees an advantage in terms of costs: 100 kilometers can currently be covered for less than one euro in energy costs.
The biggest technical challenges with an e-scooter are the range and charging time. Haasper advises prospective buyers to check their usage habits and, above all, to keep an eye on the range of the respective model. “How many kilometers do I want to drive in one go, and how much time do I have for charging?” The route should also take into account inclines, which use more energy.
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During the test drive, charge the battery and estimate the weight
Even in the cold, the radius of action becomes smaller with one battery charge. The e-scooter’s quick-charging functions can be helpful here. The ADAC recommends renting the e-scooter for a while and testing it before you buy it. In the best case, over several charging cycles, so that the advantages and disadvantages can be experienced well. “Anyone interested should also check where the batteries can be charged regularly. If the battery is removable, the weight of the batteries is also a deciding factor,” says an ADAC spokesman. Also important: the service life of the batteries, because a replacement is usually expensive.
E-scooters are available as small, light and motorcycles. Small scooters are not allowed to be driven on all roads and, with their maximum speed of 45 km/h, often pose an obstacle even in inner-city traffic. All e-scooters can be driven with a motorcycle driver’s license.
Also read: Consumer center criticizes the terms and conditions of e-scooter apps
Lower top speed is cheaper
The range of small e-scooters with a top speed of around 25 km/h starts at around 1500 euros. Faster ones up to 45 km/h cost between 2000 euros and 3500 euros. For highway-capable e-scooters with a top speed of up to 120 km/h, customers have to pay roughly between 3,700 and 13,700 euros. Manufacturers such as BMW, Emco, IO Power Roller, Kreidler, Kumpan, Solar, Innoscooter, Tante Paula, Govecs, Trinity Electric Vehicles and Unu offer vehicles in various performance classes.
“Models where the battery can be taken into the apartment are particularly interesting for city dwellers who don’t park in their own garage,” says Julia Ahrens from the Federal Association for eMobility (BEM). She also sees an advantage when it comes to driving pleasure. “Once you’ve ridden one yourself, you know what acceleration means.” Numerous municipalities or districts promote electric vehicles such as e-bikes and electric scooters, either directly or through regional electricity suppliers, often in conjunction with a contract for the supply of electricity.
Cities want to become cleaner and quieter as a result. “Conventional scooters have had to meet the Euro 4 standard since January 2016,” says Anja Smetanin from ACE Auto Club Europa. “Nevertheless, they emit proportionally more harmful exhaust gases than modern cars and are very loud.” That’s why e-scooters are an environmentally friendly alternative.